Time management tips – focus first, then bust distractions

Back in early November, San Antonio Magazine came calling to ask for time management tips on how to increase productivity.

Writer Chris Warren and I had a great conversation, talking about the variety of pressures and productivity pitfalls people face on a daily basis. His summary of our conversation appears in San Antonio Magazine‘s January 2015 issue.

Time Management Tips Summarized

In a nutshell, while tools like calendars and apps are helpful, the best way to improve your productivity is to increase your focus on the present. Know what your top three priorities are each morning before you settle into your desk (or couch or coffee shop – wherever you may work). When you’re working on that priority, set a timer to remain laser focused for at least 15 minutes at a time. It’s common practice to check email first thing in the morning, but if your priorities list has not already been set for the day, you’ll end up letting your Inbox run your entire day.

It takes practice to not allow disruptions and shiny objects to guide your day. Sticking to and viewing your list of your day’s top priorities will help you with that. Know what else will help you? Sticking to and viewing your list of your top three priorities in life. When you have a vision to work toward, you’re more likely to stick to your mission.

About Author

Helene Segura fixes time. She teaches professionals on the go how to get control of their time management so they can do more in less time - and have a life outside of work. Helene delivers mind-bending time management keynotes and productivity workshops to associations, conferences, and businesses that want to increase revenue, lower stress levels and Kick Chaos to the Curb! The author of two Amazon best-selling books, Helene has been a featured productivity expert in over 100 media appearances including Inc., US News & World Report and Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates. In The Inefficiency Assassin’s spare time, she enjoys taste-testing new recipes, planning her next travel adventure, and playing boules with aperitif in hand.

Thanks for sharing the tips. I agree with staying on focus. We don’t try to multi task, we try to multi focus and that’s near impossible. I like to use a timer to help stay focused and I batch the work together. For example, I may spend 90 minutes just on writing. Then I can check emails or return a phone call.

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"Helene Segura fixes time." I teach professionals on the go how to get control of their time management so they can do more in less time - and have a life outside of work. As The Inefficiency Assassin, I deliver mind-bending time management keynotes and productivity workshops to associations, conferences, and businesses that want to increase revenue, lower stress levels and Kick Chaos to the Curb! The author of three books (two of which are Amazon best-sellers), I've been a featured productivity expert in more than 150 media appearances including Inc., US News & World Report and Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, experimenting with recipes, occasionally correctly pairing food with wine, and trying not to shatter glass when I attempt to sing. I look forward to working with you!